Reliable power is no longer a luxury: CS Wandayi says on outages, fuel prices, and energy future

As political temperatures rise ahead of 2027, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi says his priority is not politics, but fixing the country's power and fuel systems.

 In an interview with the Star, Wandayi addressed persistent electricity outages, rising fuel prices, reforms at Kenya Power, and the future of Kenya Pipeline Company.

 He also addresses the commercialisation of Turkana oil and plans for Kenya’s first nuclear power plant in Siaya.

 The CS said Kenya is undergoing a necessary correction in its energy infrastructure after years of rapid customer connections outpaced investment, saying the government is now moving decisively to stabilise supply and future-proof the grid.

 Here is excerpts from the interview:

 Q: Kenya experiences recurring power outages. What specifically is causing them, and when can the country expect lasting stability?

 I understand the frustration Kenyans feel when the lights go out. Reliable electricity is no longer a luxury; it is basic to daily life, business, learning and healthcare. The important point to make first is that Kenya has not experienced a national blackout for over a year.

 What we are dealing with now are localised outages, largely happening on parts of the medium- and low-voltage distribution network. In simple terms, these are the lines that deliver power directly to homes, businesses and factories.

 Over the last decade, more than seven million new customers have been connected to the grid. That is a remarkable achievement. But the infrastructure serving these customers did not expand at the same pace, mainly because of funding constraints over time. The result has been overloaded circuits, ageing equipment, long feeder lines that cause voltage drops, vandalism and challenges around wayleaves. We are now addressing this directly.

 The government under President William Ruto is increasing budgetary support, working with development partners and prioritising investment in new substations, shorter and stronger medium-voltage lines and redundancy in the network. This is not a quick fix, but a deliberate correction. As these upgrades come online, reliability will steadily improve.

 Q: Is the national grid overstretched, and what is being done to prevent system collapses?

 Demand for electricity is growing rapidly, which is actually a sign of economic momentum. More homes are connected, industries are expanding, and commercial activity is rising.

 At moments when some power plants are unavailable due to planned or unexpected maintenance, or when transmission projects are delayed, the system can come under strain. We have seen this particularly in parts of Western Kenya and the Coast.

 We are responding decisively. New geothermal plants — including Orpower 22, the Globeleq plant in Menengai and rehabilitated Olkaria I units — will add reliable baseload power by mid-2026. Major transmission lines and substations have also been completed and energised. Several more projects are in the pipeline. The goal is simple: a grid that grows ahead of demand.

 Q: Kenya Power has been accused of mismanagement and corruption. What reforms are you implementing?

 Public trust matters. Kenya Power is a publicly listed company with governance and audit systems. Allegations of misconduct are investigated and, where proven, disciplinary action is taken. That has happened and will continue.

 Beyond that, we are strengthening controls, procurement discipline and accountability. Ultimately, reforms must translate into better service for customers. That is the real test.

  Q: Is the monopoly model still viable?

 Kenya no longer operates a monopoly power sector. The Energy Act of 2019 unbundled transmission, distribution and retail and opened them to competition. Any qualified player can apply for licenses. This encourages efficiency and investment while maintaining regulation to protect consumers.

 Q: Kenyans feel fuel prices are beyond their control. How much power does the government have?

 Fuel prices are shaped largely by global markets. No government can fully insulate citizens from that. However, the government influences pump prices through taxes, levies, exchange-rate policy, targeted subsidies and regulation. These must be balanced to protect consumers while safeguarding fiscal stability. EPRA ensures transparent monthly reviews.

 Q: Are oil marketers making excessive profits?

 Kenya operates a price-capping system that sets clear limits. The regulator audits costs, enforces compliance and penalises violations. The objective is fairness in a market that affects every household.

 Q: What assurances can you give that Kenya Pipeline will remain a strategic asset?

 Kenya Pipeline will remain a national strategic asset. That is non-negotiable. Private capital, if introduced, is about efficiency and modernisation, not surrendering control. The government will retain oversight to protect energy security.

 Q: What improvements do you expect from private investment?

 Modern technology, operational discipline and financial strength — translating into reduced losses, better maintenance and improved safety. Ultimately, consumers benefit.

 Q: Is Kenya still committed to Turkana oil?

 Yes, but more deliberately. For the first time, the Turkana field development plan and production-sharing contracts have been approved by the ministry and forwarded to Parliament. We are optimistic Parliament will ratify them to allow real production work to begin.

 Q: Why is Kenya considering nuclear power in Siaya?

 Nuclear offers stable, uninterrupted baseload electricity. It strengthens the grid and supports industrial growth. It is also clean, with low carbon emissions, complementing renewables when variable sources fluctuate. If implemented, it will support industrialisation, create high-quality jobs and enhance long-term energy security. Under President Ruto’s leadership, the government is serious and deliberate about establishing Kenya’s first nuclear plant in Siaya